Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
Members of the Augustinian General Chapter in Rome elected Reverend Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as the next Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. The election took place in Rome on September 9, 2025. Pope Leo XIV served in this leadership role from 2001 to 2013.
Father Farrell is a native of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He attended Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia including Saint Andrew School, Msgr. Bonner High School, and Villanova University. Following his priestly ordination in 1991, he taught and served at Villanova University as well as in leadership roles for the Order of Saint Augustine in the United States.
Archbishop Nelson J. Perez issued the following statement regarding Father Farrell’s election.
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“The Church of Philadelphia shares in the great joy of the Augustinian Friars on the occasion of the election of Father Joseph Farrell to lead the ministries of the Order of Saint Augustine around the world.
The priests and brothers of the Order, moved by the power of the Holy Spirit, have chosen a faithful and holy priest with a missionary zeal and deep administrative experience. I know that he will listen carefully to the insights of his brothers, learn about their experiences, and provide wise counsel in the model of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
On behalf of the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Church of Philadelphia, I extend warmest congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Father Farrell as he embarks on this new role in service to his order throughout the Universal Church.
By the grace of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Saint Augustine of Hippo, may Father Farrell’s ministry as a servant leader of the Augustinian Order be a source of strength and wisdom for his brothers in their global ministry of service to the Church and to all people of the world.”
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
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